Hyderabad Set For Major Public Transport Boost With Metro, MMTS And BRTS Expansion

Hyderabad is preparing for a major overhaul of its public transport system, with authorities laying out an ambitious long-term roadmap that includes new metro corridors, a wider Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) network, dedicated Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) lanes, and large-scale road upgrades across the metropolitan region.

The proposals form part of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) prepared for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), setting the stage for infrastructure-led growth through 2050.

Metro network planned for sharp expansion by 2050

At a workshop where the mobility study was presented, M.P. Raju, Managing Director of LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd., outlined the scale of the proposed metro expansion across Hyderabad. According to the plan, the city's metro network could grow to 258.4 km by 2030, increase further to 534.1 km by 2040, and eventually touch 556.6 km by 2050.

The proposal envisions each metro corridor with twin tracks, ensuring separate lines for both directions to support smoother and more efficient operations as commuter demand rises in the coming decades.

MMTS and road infrastructure to expand in phases

Alongside metro development, the CMP also places strong emphasis on significantly strengthening the MMTS network across the Hyderabad metropolitan region. Under the phased roadmap, the additional MMTS network is projected to reach 202 km by 2030, rise to 255.6 km by 2040, and expand further to 336.4 km by 2050.

Road infrastructure is also a key pillar of the long-term mobility blueprint. The plan proposes widening and strengthening higher-order transport corridors, arterial roads, and sub-arterial roads, particularly those with a right of way exceeding 18 metres.

In addition, the CMP includes the development of new collector roads. Their cumulative length is projected to reach 223 km by 2030, jump sharply to 2,640 km by 2040, and extend to 2,847 km by 2050, reflecting the scale of urban expansion expected across the Hyderabad Metropolitan Area.

Dedicated bus corridors and new terminals part of mobility strategy

The transport blueprint also identifies corridors for dedicated bus lanes and a Bus Rapid Transit System to improve surface public transport and reduce dependency on private vehicles. Under the plan, nearly 29 km of dedicated bus corridors could be developed by 2040, with the network expanding to 48 km by 2050.

To support regional and long-distance connectivity, the CMP also proposes the creation of seven inter-city and inter-state bus terminals by 2050. These would be accompanied by truck terminals across the Hyderabad metropolitan area, aimed at streamlining passenger and freight movement in the region.

Officials have estimated that the total investment required for the full set of proposed projects could be around ₹4 lakh crore, underlining the scale of the city's long-term infrastructure ambitions.

HMDA maps out Hyderabad's growth vision till 2050

Beyond the Comprehensive Mobility Plan, HMDA has also initiated technical studies for two additional long-term frameworks: the Economic Development Plan (EDP) and the Blue and Green Master Plan. Together, these plans are expected to guide both infrastructure expansion and environmental planning across the Hyderabad Metropolitan Area (HMA) up to 2050.

The workshop was attended by several senior officials, including Jayesh Ranjan, Vikas Raj, Transport Commissioner K. Ilambarithi, HMDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad, TGIIC Vice-Chairman K. Shashanka, government adviser N.V.S. Reddy, DTCP director Devender Reddy, and JNTU Kakinada vice-chancellor C.S.R.K. Prasad.

During the discussion, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis raised concerns over worsening traffic congestion and parking challenges in the core city areas as well as Cyberabad, highlighting the urgency of stronger public transport alternatives.

N.V.S. Reddy also stressed the need for a "Transit First" approach. He called for stronger public transport, better last-mile connectivity to metro stations, and faster expansion of the metro network under Phase-II.